5 healthy benefits of exercise for retirees

How you’ll find it easier to keep fit when you live in a retirement village

As you get older, there’s no need to give up the physical activity and exercise you’ve enjoyed – in fact, in some ways they’re more important than ever. Countless studies have proved the important health benefits of exercise for retirees.

Regular physical activity helps improve your mental and physical health, both of which will help you maintain your independence as you age. Here are five healthy benefits of exercise as you move into your retirement years.

1) Exercise helps prevent disease

Let’s start with the obvious benefit – many studies have shown that maintaining regular physical activity can help prevent many common diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes for retirees.

Exercise can also help improve your overall immune function, which is important if you have a compromised immune system. And you don’t have to run a marathon – even light exercise (such as walking) can be a powerful tool for preventing disease.

2) Your risk of falls is reduced when you exercise

Here’s a benefit you may not have thought of. You may know that older adults have a higher risk of falls, which can prove to be potentially disastrous for maintaining independence.

But did you know that exercise helps to improve strength and flexibility, which also help improve balance and coordination? In turn, this helps reduce the risk of falls. Anything that helps avoid a fall in the first place is extremely important. 

3) Your mental health benefits from exercise too

It’s not just your body that will thank you for regular exercise in retirement. Countless studies suggest that physically active retirees experience a lower risk of dementia and have better fine-tuned motor skills than those who don’t.

Exercise produces endorphins (the “feel good” hormone), which act as a stress reliever and leaves you feeling happy and satisfied.

Using up healthy energy with exercise can help improve sleep too, which is especially important if you're an older adult who suffers from disrupted sleep or even insomnia. 

4) Exercising can be a great way to socialise

As we get older it’s a fact that the social connections that bind us to our community can slowly weaken. Friends and family can move away; connections become tenuous; and of course some people are no longer with us.

That’s why exercising in a retirement community can be a great way to strengthen your social bonds. Whether you join a walking group, go to group fitness classes, or simply join a gardening club, exercise can be a fun social event.

Exercise is a natural gathering spot, pulling people together to engage in a common activity. And working out with a partner means making a commitment, so that you’re more likely to actually participate if you’re meeting someone.

Maintaining strong social ties is important for retirees to feel a sense of purpose and avoid feelings of loneliness or depression. The key is to find a form of exercise you love – it’ll never feel like a chore again!

5) Living in a retirement village is an enjoyable way to stay fit!

When you choose to live in a retirement village, it’s easy to keep fit and stay healthy in your favourite way. And when you live at Kensington Gardens, there’s no need to pay extra for a gym membership! You’ll have everything you need to keep fit available close to your home.

Our Residents’ Clubhouse features a fully equipped gym with everything you’ll ever need – including weights, treadmills, steppers, exercise bikes, and rowing machines. Plus if you prefer to keep fit by getting active in the water, you can enjoy the indoor swimming pool that’s heated for your comfort all year round.

Directly adjacent to the Clubhouse you’ll find residents outside enjoying regular games on the croquet court. It’s ideal for enjoying some light exercise (nothing too strenuous!) outdoors, while you catch up with friends.

Come and tour our gym and pool at Kensington Gardens 

At Kensington Gardens Retirement Estates at Albury and Shepparton you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do that will keep you active and healthy.

Arrange your safe, socially distanced personal tour by calling Kensington Gardens today or get in touch online to book a time to come in and visit us.